Note 85 — Chapter IV · GERARD’S HERBAL

Shakespeare and Gerard were near neighbours during the time when the former was writing many of his finest plays, for Shakespeare lived in the house of a Huguenot refugee (Mountjoy by name) 1598-1604. This house was at the corner of Mugwell Street (now Monkswell Street) and Silver Street, very near the site of the ancient palace of King Athelstan in Saxon days. Almost opposite Mountjoy’s house was the Barber-Surgeons’ Hall. Aggers’ Map (circ. 1560) with pictures of the houses, gives an excellent idea of the neighbourhood in those days. See also Leak’s Map (1666).